That Maxima is gargantuan compared to an IS, what size car are you looking for? Maxima is also FWD, FWIW.
Originally posted by: gar598
I'm not a big fan of BMWs. I do like the new Nissan Maxima (http://www.nissanusa.com/maxima/) - Camrys don't do much for me.
Originally posted by: Arkaign
The IS250 is a bit of a dog compared to today's cars, and runs about like the Acura TSX. The base 6MT IS250 weighs 3450lbs and 204hp/185tq is not going to make that exactly thrilling. Perhaps I've been too harsh on them though, it is a nice looking car, and of course you get a solid Toyota reputation behind it.
I much prefer the G37, but it's slightly more expensive than the IS250, slightly less than the IS350. The big win for me is that with the G, you can get the ~330hp V6 with a sport package and 6-speed manual. Can't do it with the IS350. Not sure what Lexus problem is there. I see plenty of manual 335i and G37 sold, so there's a market for sure.
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Originally posted by: gar598
I'm not a big fan of BMWs. I do like the new Nissan Maxima (http://www.nissanusa.com/maxima/) - Camrys don't do much for me.
That Maxima is gargantuan compared to an IS, what size car are you looking for? Maxima is also FWD, FWIW.
Originally posted by: SportSC4
Even though I'm going to take a hit for my navigation, I'm glad I got it. And yes, you can't input new destinations while driving ... which is ridiculous. I mean, the car has the ability to know if you have a passenger, it should allow it!
....
I don't have options for power with my 250 AWD so I went on upgrading the handling. It's definitely made it more enjoyable. I may be trading in my IS though. I'll need something larger in the next few years and the G37x Sedan is calling my name...
Originally posted by: zoiks
Originally posted by: SportSC4
Even though I'm going to take a hit for my navigation, I'm glad I got it. And yes, you can't input new destinations while driving ... which is ridiculous. I mean, the car has the ability to know if you have a passenger, it should allow it!
....
I don't have options for power with my 250 AWD so I went on upgrading the handling. It's definitely made it more enjoyable. I may be trading in my IS though. I'll need something larger in the next few years and the G37x Sedan is calling my name...
I have the G37 coupe and I absolutely love it. Very solidly built and from what I can find in the G37 forums, hardly anybody has any issues with it with the exception of a few (expected).
But about not being able to input new destinations while driving..that's the same in my G37. However my G37 added voice controls. All I do is press a button on the steering and just say the destination and it routes it for me. Incidentally, the bluetooth phone integration works the same way and I dial the phone number using voice.
Originally posted by: rh71
Is it touch-screen? Perhaps that's why. Coordinating that and watching the road isn't exactly safe. Same with texting or simply finding a contact on a cellphone.
I've never understood why people liked touch-screens so much... fingerprints all over it which is highly visible in the sunlight.
Originally posted by: gar598
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Originally posted by: gar598
I'm not a big fan of BMWs. I do like the new Nissan Maxima (http://www.nissanusa.com/maxima/) - Camrys don't do much for me.
That Maxima is gargantuan compared to an IS, what size car are you looking for? Maxima is also FWD, FWIW.
I definitely wouldn't want a two door...mid size car? Not sure what the is350 is considered.
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Originally posted by: gar598
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Originally posted by: gar598
I'm not a big fan of BMWs. I do like the new Nissan Maxima (http://www.nissanusa.com/maxima/) - Camrys don't do much for me.
That Maxima is gargantuan compared to an IS, what size car are you looking for? Maxima is also FWD, FWIW.
I definitely wouldn't want a two door...mid size car? Not sure what the is350 is considered.
The IS is a smallish midsize. The Maxima is a full-size car. IS is entry-lux, with RWD, and a greater attention to interior trim. Maxima is FWD, and slots below the entry-lux field, but is still a very nice car. I doubt many people would cross-shop these though, even though pricing can be similar (IS250 to well-equipped Maxima).
IS Competitors :
BMW 3-Series (doesn't really get interesting until the 335i .. which is $$$ out of range probably)
Mercedes C-Class (I don't have much info here, not a Mercedes guy .. though I do know that it's a bit slow compared to competitors unless you spring for the AMG).
Acura TSX and TL (both FWD, but nice. A bit less sporty but competent, with questionable exterior styling)
Infiniti G-series (slightly larger, a proper midsize, great motor, middle-of-the-pack interior, outstanding value for money)
Cadillac CTS (really nice car, proper RWD, good value in the class)
Audi A4 (bleh. FWD or AWD based on FWD layout, small 4-banger with a turbo. Heavy. Nice interior. V6 is $$$$).
Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
Originally posted by: Arkaign
The IS250 is a bit of a dog compared to today's cars, and runs about like the Acura TSX. The base 6MT IS250 weighs 3450lbs and 204hp/185tq is not going to make that exactly thrilling. Perhaps I've been too harsh on them though, it is a nice looking car, and of course you get a solid Toyota reputation behind it.
I much prefer the G37, but it's slightly more expensive than the IS250, slightly less than the IS350. The big win for me is that with the G, you can get the ~330hp V6 with a sport package and 6-speed manual. Can't do it with the IS350. Not sure what Lexus problem is there. I see plenty of manual 335i and G37 sold, so there's a market for sure.
toyota manual transmissions suck anyway.
Originally posted by: Arkaign
The IS250 is a bit of a dog compared to today's cars, and runs about like the Acura TSX. The base 6MT IS250 weighs 3450lbs and 204hp/185tq is not going to make that exactly thrilling. Perhaps I've been too harsh on them though, it is a nice looking car, and of course you get a solid Toyota reputation behind it.
I much prefer the G37, but it's slightly more expensive than the IS250, slightly less than the IS350. The big win for me is that with the G, you can get the ~330hp V6 with a sport package and 6-speed manual. Can't do it with the IS350. Not sure what Lexus problem is there. I see plenty of manual 335i and G37 sold, so there's a market for sure.
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: Arkaign
The IS250 is a bit of a dog compared to today's cars, and runs about like the Acura TSX. The base 6MT IS250 weighs 3450lbs and 204hp/185tq is not going to make that exactly thrilling. Perhaps I've been too harsh on them though, it is a nice looking car, and of course you get a solid Toyota reputation behind it.
I much prefer the G37, but it's slightly more expensive than the IS250, slightly less than the IS350. The big win for me is that with the G, you can get the ~330hp V6 with a sport package and 6-speed manual. Can't do it with the IS350. Not sure what Lexus problem is there. I see plenty of manual 335i and G37 sold, so there's a market for sure.
The IS250 is fun to drive, has decent brakes that haul the car down quickly and handles reasonably well. The chassis is excellent and the interior is comfortable and quiet...as a Lexus should be. It is a bit under powered but my wife isn't exactly racing it and the only time I drive it is when we go out of town...when I'd really kind of like that extra power the IS350 has on the freeway.
The IS350 is the exact same car but that extra 100hp is hugely noticeable. I've driven both back to back and it really transforms it from a sporty luxury sedan into a powerful luxury sports sedan. Honestly, the IS350 is almost as fast as a Mustang GT.
Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
Originally posted by: spidey07
Originally posted by: gar598
Originally posted by: spidey07
No manual means DO NOT BUY.
The IS250 has a manual option.
Whoops, sorry. I had been wanting an IS350 and have told the dealer and TMS - until you have a manual, I'll shop elsewhere.
Agreed. Manuals are way better. I'd either go for the IS250 with a manual, or buy a different car. I'll say this much - if I had the cash for an IS350, I definitely wouldn't buy one. It's just an overgrown Camry. Toyota ruins or discontinues every good car they make - they discontinued the Celica, MR2, and Supra, and they replaced the small, nimble, sporty IS300 with the boat-like and slow IS250/350.
If you want a sports sedan, get a BMW 3-series. Otherwise, there are plenty of options in the $30k range for something fun.
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: Arkaign
The IS250 is a bit of a dog compared to today's cars, and runs about like the Acura TSX. The base 6MT IS250 weighs 3450lbs and 204hp/185tq is not going to make that exactly thrilling. Perhaps I've been too harsh on them though, it is a nice looking car, and of course you get a solid Toyota reputation behind it.
I much prefer the G37, but it's slightly more expensive than the IS250, slightly less than the IS350. The big win for me is that with the G, you can get the ~330hp V6 with a sport package and 6-speed manual. Can't do it with the IS350. Not sure what Lexus problem is there. I see plenty of manual 335i and G37 sold, so there's a market for sure.
The IS250 is fun to drive, has decent brakes that haul the car down quickly and handles reasonably well. The chassis is excellent and the interior is comfortable and quiet...as a Lexus should be. It is a bit under powered but my wife isn't exactly racing it and the only time I drive it is when we go out of town...when I'd really kind of like that extra power the IS350 has on the freeway.
The IS350 is the exact same car but that extra 100hp is hugely noticeable. I've driven both back to back and it really transforms it from a sporty luxury sedan into a powerful luxury sports sedan. Honestly, the IS350 is almost as fast as a Mustang GT.
http://mustangs.about.com/od/m...s/a/gt-vs-challeng.htm
2008 Ford Mustang GT
* Vehicle Curb Weight: 3,540 lbs.
* 0 to 60 mph: 5.1 seconds
* 1/4 Mile Time: 13.8 seconds
http://www.caranddriver.com/fe...008_lexus_is350_page_8
2008 Lexus IS350
0-to-60-mph time: 5.1 sec
Quarter-mile time: 13.7 sec @ 104 mph
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
The 250 is out-muscled by Honda Accords from more than a decade ago. It's the IS equivalent of a Mustang V6.
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
The 250 is out-muscled by Honda Accords from more than a decade ago. It's the IS equivalent of a Mustang V6.
Who gives a fuck. Only a moron would rather be driving a 10 year old Honda Accord over a new Lexus IS250...or someone with no money. People don't buy Honda Accords because they're fast. They buy them because they can't afford something better.
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
The 250 is out-muscled by Honda Accords from more than a decade ago. It's the IS equivalent of a Mustang V6.
Who gives a fuck. Only a moron would rather be driving a 10 year old Honda Accord over a new Lexus IS250...or someone with no money. People don't buy Honda Accords because they're fast. They buy them because they can't afford something better.
Originally posted by: KentState
I have a coworker that has an IS250 and he's always complaining about the lack of power in his car. I pretty much agree with SportSC4 assessment. I thought that Lexus and MB Class AWD models where the best looking on the inside. The biggest problem was the lack of the more powerful engine in both the IS and C Class with AWD.